DI2 now can be shifter remotely

A source close to Garmin-Sharp’s Peter Stetina, Wayne Stetina’s nephew, told VeloNews that the rider has been training in Girona, Spain, using a prototype Garmin LiveTrack system that, used in conjunction with the new Di2 9070 system, allows team director Jonathan Vaughters to closely monitor Stetina’s rides in real time.

Stetina could not be reached for comment, but Vaughters told VeloNews that, if needed, he can now shift a rider’s bike from his laptop, thousands of miles away.

“The new system from Shimano and Garmin has been fantastic. Of course we trust our riders to make the right decisions, but in terms of technological advancements for team management, this is the next frontier,” Vaughters said, adding that it had not yet been used in UCI sanctioned events.

“Sometimes they get bored, or hungry or distracted, and they slow down,” Vaughters said. “Jumping to a harder gear is a little prod to keep the pressure on.”